Independent Children's Lawyer

Victorian Government • AU • 1w ago

Full time or part-time maximum term position up to 2 years Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement Relocation supports available About the roleWe're seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to lead Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL) work in our new Wodonga office. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new regional practice while doing meaningful, high-impact work for children and young people involved in family law proceedings. In this role, you'll appear as an Independent Children's Lawyer in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, acting in the best interests of children, many of whom are experiencing or at risk of physical and emotional harm. You'll also play a key role in mentoring lawyers, setting practice standards, and helping build a strong, supportive team culture from the ground up. This role is well suited to people looking to: Relocate from Melbourne or another metropolitan area Return to regional Victoria with a senior leadership opportunity Balance challenging, complex legal work with lifestyle, family, and wellbeing Be part of a close-knit professional community where your work has visible impact This role is based at our Wodonga office on Wiradjuri and Dhudhuroa Country. Why relocate to Wodonga?Albury and Wodonga are vibrant twin cities on the Murray River, at the heart of the Riverina region. Just three hours from Melbourne and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the region offers an enviable lifestyle with affordable housing, quality schools, cultural and sporting opportunities, and easy access to snowfields, wine country and national parks. This role is not only a chance to take on a career-defining leadership project – it's also an opportunity to enjoy a thriving community and an outstanding work–life balance. About youAs our ideal candidate, you will possess: Strong experience in family law, with the ability to manage complex, high-risk matters involving children and families. A clear understanding of Independent Children's Lawyer practice and what it means to act in the best interests of children. Sound judgment and emotional intelligence when working with vulnerable clients and difficult situations. A collaborative leadership style and a genuine interest in mentoring and supervising other lawyers. A current unrestricted Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner. Entitled to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners). Completed the National Independent Children's Lawyer Training Program or willingness to complete (mandatory). Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate. About VLAWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve. Employee benefits A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements Hybrid work from home & office model Generous leave benefits, including: Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays) Paid gender affirmation leave Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals Free annual flu vaccinations * Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources. How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter setting out why you'd be a great Senior Lawyer in VLA's Wodonga office. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team. For further information, please review the attached position description or Susie Crowe, Regional Manager on (03) 5823 6292 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au. No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 23 February 2026. Other relevant informationIt is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

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